Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Another job spell I found sitting in my 'draft's folder', this has been sitting in there for over two years. Must have been looking for a job at the time. Anyways I apologize again for not keeping track of the author of this spell, they did a wonderful job on it and I ask the universe to in some way show them my appreciation for their work. Thank you.

Special Tools:
•Green candle to represent job/good luck
•Good Luck/Job Oil: allspice, cinnamon, sage, dill, mix with base oil
•Banishing/Exorcism Oil: cloves, garlic, basil mixed with base oil
•Black or dark candle to represent obstacles
•Small jar to be filled with nutmeg, Tiger's eye stone, thyme, rune or some other symbol of good fortune and a piece on paper on which you have written the description of your perfect job
Casting the Circle
The East, the Wind
Positive forces, I call you in

The South, the Fire
Aid this night in my desire

The West, the Water
I conjure my need into matter

The North, the Grove
Bring your gifts,I make it so

The Center, the Force
I call you to open your doors

I conjure thee, O circle of Power
That you might be for me a boundary between the world of men and the realm of the mighty spirits.
A place of joy, love and trust to contain the power I will raise herein
I have called upon the protectors of the East, South, West and North to aid me in the construction of this circle
In the name of the Horned Lord and Radiant Lady
Thus do I conjure thee, great circle of power! This circle is sealed.

Invocation to the God/dess
Great Goddess
I ask you to join me tonight
at the waxing of the moon's powers
to assist me in my rite
Tonight, I ask for guidance, for luck,
for success in finding a new and better job
Guide me, protect me, help me
I, your priest/ess, ask this of you
So mote it be!

Great God
I ask you to join me tonight
at the waxing of the moon's powers
to assist me in my rite
Tonight, I ask for guidance, for luck,
for success in finding a new and better job
Guide me, protect me, help me
I, your priest/ess, ask this of you
So mote it be!

The Spell
Anoint the black candle with banishing/exorcism oil and light the candle while visualizing all of your obstacles falling away

"Bad luck flees
Obstacles fall
My path is clear
Heed my call!"
Anoint the green candle with employment/luck oil
"Good luck is mine and prosperity
Help me Great Ones
Come to me
Opportunity and rewards I see
As I will, so mote it be!"

Meditate on the job you want as you gaze into the candle's flame.

Still in the circle, fill your good luck jar with the herbs, stone, note and piece of paper with the fortune rune inscribed on it. Seal the jar with these words:

Monday, January 30, 2012

The fires of Brigid were tended by nineteen priestesses at Kildare, Ireland. Today these same sacred fires are tended by nineteen nuns. In the spirit of Brigit's fire, light white, red, or yellow candles to celebrate the return of the light at this time of year. Sing this verse while you light the candles:

Mighty Brigid, goddess of the forge, flying sparks and light,
Mistress who commands the strength
of fire and healing sight.

Patroness of poets, healers, and smiths,
Bring thy blessings and gifts.
Holder who balances the delicate forces
of fire’s birth and death.

Protectress of mothers and children be,
Always watch over me.
May your fires burn bright in my heart,
And bless each project that I start.

Deep in the earth your wells of inspiration
flow abundant and free.
Come share your overflowing bounty with others and with me.

Mighty Brigid, this I know.
Where your magic is,
So do the wise go.

May I be among your blessed,
Fill my heart and spirit
with all that is best.

Holiday lore:
On Imbolc, a bundle of corn from the harvest is dressed in ribbons and becomes the Corn Bride. On February 2, the Corn Bride is placed on the hearth or hung on the door to bring prosperity, fertility, and protection to the home.

You will need to set aside several hours to do this, preferably on a
Friday evening, when the moon is waning. Switch off the phone and make
sure you will not be disturbed. If you are with friends, sit quietly in a
circle to create a sacred space that you will all enjoy.

Light a pink candle, one for each person present, and some incense. Look
at the piece of paper on which you have listed your doubts and fears. Do
you need to add to it? Be honest with yourself. As each feeling
surfaces, give it a color. For instance, if you feel sadness give it a
brown or black color; If you are feeling intense rage, give it a bright
red slash. Then write beside the colors all the experiences and people
that it represents. Share your feelings out loud with those who are with
you. When you have finished, complete the evening by joining hands
together. Put all your fears and doubts into the center of the circle by
saying them out loud, and then imagine them being transformed by the beams
of love from the universe. Keep your paper with you for three days and
three nights. Read and reread it, adding to it whenever you feel it is
necessary. On the third night, which will be Monday, the moon's day, set
up your altar to create a sacred space. This is a very powerful ceremony
and again, you may need a couple of hours in which to perform it,
especially if you are with friends.

Light the candles and incense, and sit quietly for a few minutes. For the
final time, read your list, and allow the color of each negative thought
to come into your mind's eye. Gently release them as you breathe each one
out of your body. Then call each person who has been a negative influence
in your life into your mind's eye and release them, by saying out loud an
incantation along the following lines:

, I unconditionally forgive you for all the hurt you have
caused me and I release you from my life. Thank you for the lesson, but
it is time to move on. From this day on, I draw only positive and
supportive relationships to me.

Keep saying the above until you feel you have really forgiven all those
who have caused you hurt in the past. Now you are ready to burn your
list. Light it carefully with the candle flame, place it in a heatproof
dish, and watch it turn to ash. As you do so, say the following
incantation:

Burn, burn
All those thoughts that churn
That stop my love from becoming alive

Then take the ash outside and either scatter it into the night air or bury
it in the ground saying:

Go, dark thoughts
Scatter far and wide
Into the night
Be thou gone
So mote it be.

Return to the altar and give yourself time to reflect on the magnitude of
what you have done. It is hard for someone to have a healthy, loving
relationship with you unless you love and respect yourself, so be proud of
who you are and learn to regognize that every relationship in your life is
a reflection of your own level of self love. Those who open their hearts
to learn forgiveness of themselves and others, break free to draw in a
higher conscious level of relationship.

Allow the candles to burn themselves out completely. The spell for
letting go is complete.

Another spell that was sitting in my 'drafts' folder, and again I have no idea now where this came from or who wrote it. I apologize and thank who ever did. Sounds like a fun spell to use to gain a new job.

• Step 1
Gather magazines and newsprint, etc and cut out pictures and images and words that reflect your perfect job. Pictures of the company you'd like to work for, job descriptions from job posting boards, successful working people in your preferred industry, and the like work well for this spell. Make a collage of your images on construction paper by gluing your images in any way you feel would be reflective of your intention to find the perfect job.

•Step 2
On the night of a New Moon, gather your items together and go to a quiet space near a window. Anoint your gold candle in the patchouli oil from bottom to top, coating it completely. Then, sprinkle cinnamon on the candle over the oil. Place the candle in the small candle holder. As you are doing this clear your mind and focus only on your intention to find your perfect job.

•Step 3
Place your candle in the holder on a flat surface near a window. Place your collage of images behind the candle, far enough away that when the candle is lit, it will not catch the collage on fire. If you are using a window sill, tape your collage on the window behind the candle. If you are using another flat surface near a window, tape your collage on a wall nearby.

•Step 4
Sit facing your window and candle and place the picture of yourself next to your candle. Light the candle. Place your lodestone between your hands and close your eyes. Concentrate on getting the job you want by picturing yourself interviewing with the hiring manager, presenting your skills to the person, selling yourself as the best candidate for the position, and shaking hands with the person and accepting an offer for the job. Let your mind wander during this step. Think of all the elements of the job interview going in your favor. Do this until you are confident you have the job.

•Step 5
Now, take the picture of yourself and tape it on to the collage, anywhere. With your lodestone in your hands say this with conviction: "Anything is possible in my life, as of now I release all fear. Now the perfect job is mine, the intent is set and the path is clear. For the good of all, with harm to none. My spell is cast and it is done!"

•Step 6
Let your candle burn all the way down. Keep your collage where you can see it everyday. Carry your lodestone in your pocket or purse everywhere you go, especially to job interviews. Because this type of spell takes time, it may be that you should repeat it on the very next New Moon. Usually a turn of the Moon is sufficient, but it couldn't hurt to repeat it, if you have had no results from the first one. Support your spell work by thinking about being successful in your job search, and be realistic in your job choice and your dream job will come to you!
Things You'll Need:
•Gold taper candle
•Small candleholder
•Patchouli oil
•Lodestone
•Ground cinnamon
•Picture of yourself happy
•Cut-out pictures of things, places, buildings, etc that represent your perfect job (you can use magazines, newsprint, etc.)
•Copy of your resume on parchment paper
•Flat surface in a private room for ritual and spell work (should be near a window. A window sill works well)

Sunday, January 29, 2012

So Imbolc is just a few days away and I thought it might be nice to gather a few things together in preparation for it. One of the things I found on a wikipedia entry was the story of the Cailleach and how she goes out hunting for fire wood as an indication of the severity and the length of winter that is left. So if the weather is stormy she cannot gather much wood so the remainder of the winter will be short and mild. If the weather is fair she will be able to find and gather a lot of wood so remaining winter will be long and severe. Here are a few links to sites for some additional Imbolc info and rituals you may wish to try.

Was also reading in Llwellyns Spell a Day for 2012 about Imbolc being a good time to do divination work. So get out your favoite means of divination and take a look at what is ahead. May what you see be blessings in plenty for you and yours. So Mote it Be.

Whereas Catholic religious practice presents us with the novena (nine-day) candle, in hoodoo, we see instead the seven-day candle, sometimes referred to by older practitioners as the "7-day vigil candle," due to its being burned for difficult cases or ongoing situations over the course of seven days, while one watches and waits for divinatory signs.

There are four types of 7-day candles used in hoodoo:

The candle divided by seven needles or pins:

I believe that this is the oldest form of the 7-day candle. To make one, take a regular offertory or jumbo-size candle and seven needles or pins. Poke the needles into the candle, dividing it into seven equal parts (the seventh needle or pin can go at the top or at the bottom, but no one i know ever uses SIX needles or pins to divide the candle into seven parts). Write your wish (or seven wishes) on a piece of paper. Turn the paper 90 degrees sideways and write your full name over the wish or wishes seven times, crossing and covering the previous writing with your name. Place the paper under the candle. Dress the candle with an appropriate oil. Burn it for seven nights, pinching it out (NOT blowing it out) each time a needle falls. Save the needles when they fall. When the last needle falls, stick the needles into the paper in the form of two X patterns surrounding one double-cross pattern (that has two lines crossing one upright line). Dispose of the ritual remains in an appropriate way : Bury the paper and any leftover wax under your doorstep if your intention is to draw something or someone to you. Throw the paper and wax away at a crossroads, in running water, or in a graveyard if the intention is to get rid of something or someone.

THE SEVEN KNOB CANDLE:

I have seen ads for these under the name "The Famous 7-Knob Wishing Candle" dating back at least to the 1930s; they might be older, but i do not know. They are mentioned favourably in Henri Gamache's "Master Book of Candle Burning" (written in 1942) and they are very popular in the African-American community, which seems to indicate that they are efficacious. Seven-knob candles generally come in four colours, with the usual symbolism implied (white for blessing or wishing, red for love or sex, green for money or gambling luck, black for destruction or revenge). Carve a brief wish on each knob -- either the same wish seven times or seven different wishes, one per knob. Dress the candle with an appropriate oil. Burn it for seven nights, pinching it out (NOT blowing it out) each time a knob is gone.

THE SEVEN CHARM SORTILAGE CANDLE:

This is a hand-made candle that contains seven tiny metal charms (milagros or ex-votos) inside, which are revealed one per day as you burn the candle down over the course of seven days. It is more common in Latin America than in the USA. Often the charms are religious as well as lucky, and they may include a cross, an angel, the powerful hand of God, a man's head, a woman's head, and so forth.

THE SEVEN-WISHES GLASS ENCASED CANDLE:

This style of 7-day candle only became popular from the 1970s onward. It is made with seven layers of wax in different colours, poured into a tall, narrow glass container. Burn one layer each day with appropriate prayers or wishes. It's interesting to note that this is the same size and shape of candle which the Catholics call a novena candle, although they expect it to burn for nine days. For many more examples of glass encased candles in both the Catholic and hoodoo traditions, see the sections below on glass encased religious candles and glass encased vigil candles.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Black 7 day candle
Water
saucer
paper
Fill your saucer slightly with some water. On a piece of paper write the things you most desire, (like love, money, a job..) Fold that up and put it on the saucer (yes, in the water)
Now put your 7 day candle on top of the paper and light it.
Each night before you go to sleep visualize your desires being obtained. On the seventh day, snuff out the candle and dispose of it by getting it away from your property. This spell can be customized by using different colored candles, pink or red for love, purple for spirituality, and so on. The black candle is used for "breaking through" those obstacles that are preventing you from your desires

•Begin this spell on a Sunday during a waxing moon, 5 hours after the sun has set. Place all items before you in this order: white candle, vase with water (without the flower), pink candle. Place the two halves of the fig in front of the vase.

•2
Light the candles and place the flower in the vase.

•3
Sit in front of the candles, concentrating on the flame. Imagine yourself being surrounded by a protective light.

•4
Take one of the fig halves in your right hand and pass it over to your left hand.

•7
The other half of the fig needs to stay where it is, along with the flower in the vase and the unlit candles, until the next full moon. This is an offering to the Moon Goddess. The night of the full moon, bury the uneaten fig half and flower somewhere outdoors. Put away the vase and candles.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who is the lover his devotees,
Who has destroyed the three cities,
Who holds the bow called Pinaka,
Who destroys bad people daily,
And who plays in the world of humans.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who cures all great diseases,
Like rheumatism and arthritis,
Who is saluted by great sages,
And to whom, the sun god,
Moon and God of fire are eyes.

I salute that God Shiva,
Who is the king among physicians,
Who blesses those beings,
Who have lost their speech, hearing, sight and ability to walk,
With these abilities,
And who provides cure,
For devastating diseases like leprosy.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Procol oh procol este profani. Barlasti ompala. In the name of the Mighty and Terrible One, I proclaim that I have banished the shells unto their habitations. I invoke Tahuti, the Lord of Wisdom and of Utterance; the god that cometh forth from the veil. Oh thou, majesty of the godhead, wisdom-crowned Tahuti, Lord of the gates of the universe. Thee, thee I invoke. Oh thou of the ibis head. Thee, thee I invoke. Thou who wieldest the wand of double power. Thee, thee I invoke. Thou who bearest in thy left hand the rose and cross of light and life. Thee, thee I invoke. Thou whose head is as an emerald, and thy nemyss as the night sky blue. Thee, thee I invoke. Thou whose skin is a flaming orange as though it burned in a furnace. Thee, thee I invoke.
Behold, I am yesterday, today, and the brother of tomorrow. I am born again and again. Mine is the unseen force whereof the gods are sprung, which is as life unto the dwellers in the Watchtowers of the Universe. I am the charioteer of the east; Lord of the past and the future. I see by my own inward light; Lord of resurrection who cometh forth from the dust, and my birth is from the house of death. Oh ye two Divine hawks upon your pinnacles who keep watch over the universe.

Ye who company the Bier to the house of rest, who pilot the ship of Ra, ever advancing onwards the heights of heaven. Lord of the shrine which standeth in the center of the earth. Behold! He is me and I in him. Mine is the radiance wherein Ptah floateth over the firmament. I travel upon high. I tread upon the firmament of Nu. I raise a flashing flame with the lightening of mine eye. Ever rushing on in the splendor of the daily glorified Ra, giving my life to the dwellers of earth. If I say come up upon the mountain, the celestial waters shall flow at my command. For I am Ra incarnate, Kephra created in the flesh. I am the idolar of my father Tnu, Lord of the city of the sun. The god who commands is in my mouth. The god of wisdom is in my heart. My tongue is the sanctuary of truth and a god sitteth upon my lips. My word is accomplished every day, and the desire of my heart realizes itself as that of Ptah when he created his works. I am eternal, therefore all things are as my designs. Therefore do thou come forth unto me from thine abode in the silence, unutterable wisdom, all light or power.

Thoth. Hermes. Mercury. Odin. By whatever name I call thee thou art still nameless to eternity. Come thou forth I say, and aid and guard me in this work of art. Thou star of the east that didst conduct the magi. Thou art the same all present in heaven and in hell. Thou that vibratest between the light and the darkness, rising, descending, changing ever, yet ever the same. The sun is thy father; thy mother the moon. The wind hath borne thee in it's bosom and earth hath ever nourished the changeless god head of thy youth. Come thou forth I say, come thou forth and make every spirit of the firmament and of the ether, upon the earth and under the earth, on dry land and in the water, of whirling air and of rushing fire, and every spell and scourge of God the Vast One may be obedient unto me.

Thoth (pronounced "Toth", rhyming with "both") was one of the most important deities of ancient Egyptian religion and worship. Typically portrayed with the head of an ibis (a big, sacred wading bird), Thoth was known as the tongue of Ra, who had cursed him, and often spoke on Ra's behalf. Because his job was to speak the words that fulfilled Ra's wishes, Thoth is credited with creating the heavens and earth.

Although he is referenced in some sources as being Ra's son, there is also a theory that Thoth managed to create himself by using the power of magical language. He is known as the creator of magic and the messenger of the gods. Thoth is also referred to in some stories as the keeper of divine records, advisor to the gods, and mediator in disputes. He appears in a few legends as the god who weighs the souls of the dead, although many other stories assign that job to Anubis.

Because Thoth is a lunar deity, he is often portrayed wearing a crescent on his head. He is closely associated with Seshat, a goddess of writing and wisdom, who is known as the scribe of the divine. The Greeks saw him as Hermes, and so the center of Thoth's worship in the classical world was found in Hermopolis.

Thoth appears in a significant role in the legend of Osiris and Isis. When Osiris was murdered and dismembered by his own brother, Set, his lover Isis went to gather up his pieces. It was Thoth who provided her with the magical words to resurrect Osiris so that she could conceive his child, Horus. Later on, when Horus was killed, Thoth appeared to help in his resurrection too.

Thoth enjoyed a bit of a resurgence in popularity when Aleister Crowley published The Book of Thoth, which is a philosophical analysis of the Tarot. Crowley also created a Thoth Tarot deck.

Thoth is sometimes called upon for workings related to wisdom, magic, and fate. He may also be invoked if you're working on anything to do with writing or communications -- creating a Book of Shadows or writing a spell, speaking words of healing or meditation, or mediating a dispute.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Taureans have a gift for beauty, thanks to their Venusian natures. They enjoy pleasure in all aspects of their life, whether it is fine wine, good food, art, music or a beautiful garden. They need a salubrious setting in order to feel at peace within themselves and with others and will take time and care to produce such an environment. Taureans seek harmony and sensuality and will enjoy both almost to excess. They are tactile people, loving delicious, tender, slow and affectionate touch. Essential oils that support their sensual natures are the aphrodisiacs – jasmine, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang, clary and black pepper.

But Taureans are not all sweetness and light. When in their bullish nature they can be negative, lazy, obstinate, resistant to change and willful. They are capable of concentrating their entire being on a single goal, and working persistently toward that purpose, to the exclusion of other’s reason or suggestions. They have unyielding determination, which makes them hard workers and practical, reliable colleagues, but also can make them appear obdurate and inflexible. Oils that can help the bull easy back from their intractable, headstrong ways are coriander, lemon, peppermint, pine, chamomile, helichrysum, marjoram, neroli, lavender and vetiver.

Taureans tend to carry much of their stress and tension in their shoulders and neck. They are prone to sore throats, earaches, headaches and stiff necks. They carry their emotions in this upper torso region, feeling that they have to shoulder responsibility, carry other people’s emotional loads, be burdened by the woes of the world, duck to avoid confrontation and do backbends for others. All these contortions, brought on by the need to please others, soothe over situations and take away other’s pain, put a load on the poor bull’s upper body. Oils that alleviate aching muscles and stiffness are eucalyptus, cajuput, ginger, juniper, lavender, lemon, black pepper, chamomile, rosemary and sage. These oils are also good for sore throats and upper respiratory conditions. Oils that aid in relieving the bull’s headaches are jasmine, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, juniper, melissa, rose, clary sage and lemon.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

I love this ritual. I love standing out in the rain and letting it wash over me anyways but in conjunction with this chant it seems a wonderful way to let the rain wash away the pain. I like to be as close to naked as possible when standing in the rain, that way you are getting the closest contact with the rain and the elements as possible.

This is to be done on a rainy night outdoors.
Stand in the rain and let it touch you - do not wear heavy clothing to protect yourself from it.
Call the rain and draw it down harder. Cast no circle, lest the pain stay trapped within it.
When the downpour becomes heavy, begin. Say the incantation charged full of emotion
and let it come from the heart.
"Rain, take the pain.
Rain, take the pain.
Rain, take the pain.
Rain, take the pain.
Rain, take the pain.
Rain, take the pain.
Rain, wash away my pain.
Cry for me and take away my tears.
Rain, wash away my pain.
Cry for me and take away my fears."
Hold palms open to the sky and let the rain fill them. Wash your face and eyes with it.
Repeat this three times.
"Let the tears fall, with the water,
into the earth, into the rock."
Let the pain go, release the energy.
Let it wash away. Imagine it leaving you and entering the earth bound by rock.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Goddess of our mothers, our foremothers and our selves,
The Moon is new and we are new within her.
Together with the moon we make beginnings,
Set goals and lay the roots for our achievements
To fulfill when the time and moon grow full.

We are women of peace
Attaining our goals in peaceful ways.
What we ask for benefits us and benefits the earth and all.
We accept the challenge of manifesting our dreams.
We accept the responsibility for our choices.

We are careful what we ask for,
Knowing it may happen;
We are careful what we ask for,
That we violate no one's free will.

We have the awareness of women
And the power of women;
We are each the Goddess and the changing moon.

With the New Moon we begin and plant our dreams, And watch them grow and ripen.
As we will it, so it is.

It's been said the eye is the window to the soul, which may explain why the symbolic meaning of eyes tends to be of a spiritual nature.

In Christianity the Eye of God is depicted hovering over a tent which is symbolic of the Tabernacle - the temple of the faithful. The eye here represents the omni-present spirit of God peering into the soul of the faithful - ever watchful over those who serve.

In Egypt we see the Eye of Horus (a.k.a. the eye of Ra, and also referred to as a wedjat or a udjat). In this context the eye is a symbol of protection and life. During his battle with Set, Horus' eye was ripped out and torn to pieces. Thoth, however, was able to save the eye and restored it by invoking the magic of the falcon.

It's interesting that in Egypt and Western occult traditions the left eye is considered a lunar trait and a symbol of northern direction. The right eye is a solar symbol and represents southern direction.

The "third eye" is referred to as the spiritual eye, the intuitive eye, or the eye of the soul. It is associated with the brow chakra (or Ajna chakra) which facilitates intuition and extra sensory perception. The third eye is depicted on the forehead of Shiva, and is symbolic of the inner eye that sees all things within a cosmic perspective.

In Dreaming the meaning of eyes indicates an opening into a new dimension. This is symbolic of your vision clearing and focusing in on a new direction. It may also indicate your ability to see past what is common and spiritually arrive to the point where your inner vision perceives all things in their divine glory - even the simplest of things become imbued with an exquisite quality inherent in all nature.

The symbolic meaning of eyes also carry a message of prophesy - literally seeing "a vision of the future." This translates well with ancient alchemists and astrologers speaking of eyes of the sky foretelling certain events as they chart the stars in certain patterns to ascertain various outcomes.

A quick list of attributes on the symbolic meaning of eyes:

Focus
Clarity
Vision
Prophesy
Omniscience
Presence
Intelligence
Perception
Observation
Opening
Awareness
Many ancient esoteric as well as earth-based philosophies consider the eye as a channel or a passageway into a new dimension. Here the eye is not a physical symbol but rather a ethereal one in which consciousness may enter into a gateway of infinite expanse. This journey is traversed through the pitch-black channel of being-ness (represented by the black of the pupil). Once the threshold is crossed, one is said to obtain higher knowledge - a glimpse of heightened epiphany - comparable to enlightenment.

Friday, January 20, 2012

We all suffer from stress at one time or another, and in a workplace it is often difficult to reverse the situation. This spell can be taken to your workplace or used in other stressful situations, with minimum disturbance. For healing and magic, the earth, or Mother Earth, from whence all things spring, is unsurpassed. Add a little borage, the flower of courage, and some of your own essence, and even the most difficult of predicaments can be overcome.

Here is a Mediterranean spell to charge you with the strength to overcome a stressful situation. The items you will need are as follows:

Make a small bag. It can be very plain and simple, but it is important that you stitch it together by hand, so that you are putting your self-essence into it. The bag needs to be large enough for you to get both hands inside, with a drawstring to secure it. As a special touch, embroider your initials on it in your favorite color.

On a bright, sunny day collect a few handfuls of dry earth and some borage flowers. Feel the sun's rays warming your body and the flowers and the soil in your hands, and store the memory carefully.

Dry the borage flowers, then place them with the earth in your bag. pull the drawstring to secure them. keep the bag in an accessible place. When things are going badly or you need a pick-me-up, it will only take a few moments to place your hands in the bag, touch the dried borage flowers, reflect on your stored memories, and let Mother Earth work her magic.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

When doing magical workings, many people find it easier to structure their rituals or spells based upon magical correspondences -- the concept that everything has a signature, of sorts, that connects it to symbols and meanings. For example, if you wanted to do a working related to money, correspondences might include the colors green and gold, as well as herbs such as basil and pennyroyal, and stones like emerald and lodestone.

To truly be effective with magic, however, you should learn to find magical correspondences all around you. One exercise we did here on the website was the Magical Mondays series, in which readers were given an ordinary item and asked to come up with magical uses for it. This encouraged folks to think outside the box, and see the magical in the most mundane things. Look at it this way - our ancient ancestors didn’t have catalogs or websites to shop from. They had to create and harness magic using simply what they already owned and what they could gather, nothing else. Let's take a lesson from them, and consider some magical correspondences of the things you might find around your home.

Under NO circumstances should you use ANY of the following herbs if you are pregnant. These herbs can be extremely dangerous to an unborn child. Please seek professional medical advice before using the following:

Here are some more animals and their correspondences. It is interesting to me how different some opinions can be and as to which animals rate being on a list.

All birds are messengers from the divinities.

Badger: Tenacity and courage. The badger will teach you perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity. The badger is a powerful protector of both material possessions and ideals held close to your heart.

Bat: The bat is a messenger. The bat may bring a message from either the otherworld or your subconscious.

Bear: Strength and stamina.

Bee: The bee is industriousness, hardworking and very family/clan oriented.

Boar: The boar is sacred. It is both cunning and ferocious.

Bull: Strength and potency, the bull is a symbol of mobile power.

Butterfly: If a butterfly is seen while vision questing, no negative energy will be in the immediate area.

Cat: The cat is a strong protector in confrontational situations. As a prowling animal, the cat is also a strong guardian of inner powers.

Crane: The crane is the bird of the Moon, magick, shamanic travel, secrets and reaching deep mysteries. The crane also represents the logical mind as well as patience while healing occurs.

Crow: The Crow is a symbol of conflict, war and death. Its skill is wisdom with trickery. It is also a protector of scared records.

Deer or Stag: The white Stag is a messenger from the otherworld, following the animal often leads to a quest through the Otherworld. The deer represents grace, swiftness and gentleness.

Dog: Underworld hounds are white with red ears, they hunt and punish the guilty, they represent tracking skills and companionship as well as Loving protection.

Dolphin: They represent harmony, balance and traveling from rough to smooth waters.

Dragon (lizards): Wealth, raw powers of nature, the treasures of the unconscious mind.

Eagle: Wisdom and long life, Keen sight, Knowledge of magick and swiftness, the eagle is a strong ally when traveling into new territory.

Hawk: Clear sightedness, teaches how to receive and interpret inner and outer signals.

Heron: Of the Moon and magick, shamanic travel, secrets, the logical mind, through the heron one can find magick in nature.

Horse: Stamina, endurance, and faithfulness, the horse was a faithful guide to the otherworlds.

Magpie: Omens and prophecies.

Mouse: Secrets, cunning, shyness, the ability to hide. If you see a mouse in a vision quest--pay attention to details.

Otter: Enjoying life, recovering from a crisis, faithfulness, friendliness, and being helpful to others. The otter provides valuable assistance in the otherworlds.

Owl: Teaches us to silently observe life, and gather information to gain understanding.

Raven: The battle cry of an upcoming life crisis, it is a powerful protector if one can gain its favor.

Snakes: Wisdom, reincarnation and cunning. If you see a snake while vision questing, be prepared for the power of transformation to enter your life. The snake represents the life-death-rebirth cycle. For more on reincarnation and the afterlife, visit Lites of Heaven.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

You will need:
a red candle (or any color that represents power to you)
incense (in a scent that represents power to you)

Stand in front of a mirror (a full-figured mirror is best but if you don’t have one the bathroom mirror is fine). Light your candle and concentrate on the flame, when you begin to feel positive energy swirling around you (this could take a few seconds to a few minutes everyone is different) stare deeply into your own eyes through the mirror and say:

I am Intelligent and can succeed in all that I wish
I will speak clearly, I will speak calmly,
I will focus only on the positive in all things around me today
I will not be shaken
I am Intelligent and can succeed in all that I wish

Imagine your self filled with confidence and self-pride. Now light your incense and let it burn while you get dressed and ready to start your day.

Feel free to tweak this spell/chant to make it suit your intentions and needs. I write all my spells and chants myself but you are more than welcome to use them, repost onto another website and share accordingly, please show common courtesy and give credit to me.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The symbolic meaning of number thirteen receives a shady interpretation in Norse myth, when an honorary banquet was held in Valhalla for Baldur (god of nobility, redemption and admirable strength) among other twelve Norse gods. Loki (the trickster) came to the banquet as the uninvited thirteenth guest. Afterwards, we learn Baldur was slain by Höðr who, to execute the god, was given a magic spear by Loki.

Similarly, the darker symbolism of thirteen continues in its Christian association with the Last Supper. Twelve disciples and the Christ, formed a group of thirteen to share the last meal. Here, thirteen is seen as a foreboding omen as we learn of Christ’s fate after the gathering.

In the same vein, Friday the thirteenth is commonly reviled as it was said the Last Supper in the upper room took place on a Friday. Further, Friday 13th in 1307 was the date on which the assembly of the Knights Templar were systematically assasinated.

In the guest company scenarios we can point to Judas or Loki as the thirteenth figures and so deem the association of the number thirteen as unlucky.

However, one may also consider the opposite, and recognize the enlightened guests, Christ and Baldur as the thirteenth entities. This brings about a heightened perception of the number and lends symbolism of:

Ascension
Resurrection
Enlightenment

In ancient Greece Zeus was counted as the thirteenth, and most powerful god. Here the associations of Zeus give the number thirteen symbolic meanings such as:

Totality
Completion
Power
Realization
Attainment

The symbolism of thirteen comes into play when we learn of Osiris (the Egyptian god of life, death and powerful solar symbol) was murdered by his brother Typhon. Isis, Osiris’ wife and sister collected his body with intent to restore Osiris back to life.

However, Typhon stole Osiris’ body and cut it into fourteen pieces and scattered them about the earth. Isis continued her quest to revive her beloved, but could only reclaim thirteen of the fourteen body parts (the fourteenth part being Osiris’ penis which interestingly fell into the Nile and was eaten by a school of fish which are also symbolic).

This tale symbolically implies that the meaning of number thirteen is the precursor to completion.

Also in Egypt, there are thirteen steps upon the ladder that leads to eternity. Upon the thirteenth step it is said the soul reaches the source of itself and attains spiritual completion.

There are thirteen moons in a calendar year. As such, the symbolic meaning of number thirteen deals with moon associations such as:

Femininity
Magic
Psyche
Emotion

From a numerological perspective, we first recognize the presence of the three. Symbolic meaning of number three is vast and powerful. At its simples, the symbolic meaning of the number three deals with:

Creation
Completion
Order
Advancement
Mystery

We then recognize the presence of the number one, which precedes the number three. This amplifies the preexisting symbolic meaning of the number one, which deals with:

Beginnings
Initiation
Solidarity
Unity
Birth

Singly, these individual number meanings put together tell a story of a path that is just beginning (number one), and will lead to greatness in the expression of the union of opposites (number three).

Adding and reducing the single numbers, is a common practice in numerology. Do this, we receive another symbolic meaning of the number thirteen. To wit: 1+3=4. Fours lend a grounding effect to the high-pitch energy of 13. The energy of number four brings the thirteen down to a level where we can begin to rationalize its meaning more clearly. The reduction to four is a message that at its core, the thirteen is a means to an end and this numeric energy will always return us to the calm root or source which is ultimately our cosmic home.

In a deeper numerological perspective, thirteen can be considered the fulfillment or manifestation of the number three.

It is also important to note the number thirteen is a prime number and is only divisibly by itself. This is symbolic of:

Incorruptible nature
Purity
Integrity

In the language of the Tarot, the number thirteen is represented in the Death card, which is symbolic of:

The spiritual meaning of number eleven is quite diverse. The number 11 is thought of as a "master" number in numerology because it is a double digit of the same number. When this occurs - the vibrational frequency of the prime number doubles in power. Meaning, the attributes of the Number One are doubled.

Therefore, the very basic and primary understanding of the Number One is that of new beginnings and purity. When we see this digit doubled as with the 11 - then these attributes double in strength.

The 11 carries a vibrational frequency of balance. It represents male and female equality. It contains both sun energy and moon energy simultaneously yet holding them both in perspective separate-ness. Perfect balance.

Consequently, constant reoccurances of number 11 in our lives often signal us to be aware of our balance:

Balance emotion, thought and spirit
Balance of masculine and feminine aspects
Balance of work and play

Elevens are magical messages asking us if we are centered or off kilter.

When we add 1+1 (eleven reduced) we get number two - which is also a balance number - Numeral two also deals with:

Equality
Justice
Calm
Kindness
Tact
Duality

Those who recognize the spiritual meaning of number Eleven in their lives are quite sensitive to vibrational frequencies matching these attributes above listed. Elevens appearing on a consistent bases is indicative of a reflective, thoughtful and intuitive soul.

I get loads of emails, and it seems to me, number Eleven presents itself to people who appear to be very psychically connected. I believe each time then number 11 if observed it is the Universe sending a message of:

As we deal with energy in our lives it is integral to understand we are at once a part of it, and yet the option to separate from energetic forces is present. The spiritual meaning of number Eleven deals directly with our involvement with the progression of life. When it appears, it references both our ability to be objective and subjected to life events - it is how we enter through the doorway of choice that determines the purity of the outcome.

Primarily, the spiritual meaning of zero deals with pure potentiality. It is the point from which all other numbers spring forth. Even visually – the number zero is symbolic of the seed, womb or egg from which pure potential emerges.

Because the zero also visually resembles a circle, this is symbolic of eternity, evolution, infinity. Additionally, as with most symbols comprised or containing the circle we’re dealing with meanings of cycles, evolution, and time. Think wheels here – “what comes around goes around.”

However, due to its numerical value, the zero may also be interpreted as a void – a representation of non-existence, and sometimes death. But, again, our minds wander back to the symbolism of enternity and infinity as well as cycles and rebirth. Consequently we may say there is no real death only another phase of life.

Mayan glyphs used the “cosmic spiral” to respresent the numeral zero – they inherently knew the massiveness of mystery swirling in the pools of zero-ness.

Pythagoras, (practically the father of numerology) viewed the sign of the zero as the container for all things and the birthing place of all other values (that which preceeds must be the birth giver of all that follows). This is also the interpretation of the zero in Tarot numbers as well as other mystery school teachings.

Focus upon the zero is encouraged when we wish to be present in the moment, when we are trying to regroup our level of awareness. This is because the zero is representative of the essence of reality. It is everything and nothing at the same time.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

A couple of disclaimers: 1) Honestly have no idea where I found this. I apologize to whoever came up with this spell that I did not take the time to note who wrote it and where I found it. I am sorry. 2) I do not recommend trying to bend someone to your will. I think I was/am more interested in the aspects of or the idea of possibly using something like this on yourself to possibly change a habit etc....

Triple Strength Bend-Over Voodoo Doll Spell :

Bend-over spells are in a class of persuasive spells called commanding. These types of spells are designed to manipulate someone to do your bidding. They are used to subjugate the will of any person, such as a partner or employer, so that they will easily and willingly do whatever it is you want them to do.

As a general rule, the best time to do commanding type spells is on Saturday during the full or waxing moon. Of course, it is a matter of preference as to whether or not you work with moon phases, though it is generally agreed among occult practitioners that working with the moon phases can enhance your work. The dolls you create for these types of spells should be made out of brown (for court cases and legal work) or purple cloth, as these colors are often associated with spells of mastery, influence, commanding, compelling and bending to one’s will.

First, create a brown Voodoo doll or poppet. Write the name of the one you choose to have bend to your will 9 times on brown paper and attach it to the doll with a pin. Light a brown candle. Anoint the doll daily with 3 drops of Essence of Bend Over oil while stating the person’s name and exactly what you want them to do. Repeat for nine days in a row. Keep the doll wrapped in purple cloth and store it away in a place where it will not be seen or handled by others. Repeat every full moon for three months to keep the person under your influence.
Formula for Essence of BendOver Oil

Use the essential oils or essences for the ingredients listed. The dried herbs can be used in place of oil or as an adjunct to the oil.

•Frankincense
•Honeysuckle
•Vetivert
•Calamus root essential oil
•Licorice root
•Bergamot leaf or bergamot essential oil
•High john root
Blend equal amounts of the above ingredients in an almond oil base to which a small amount of vitamin E has been added.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Borage is one of the remedies developed by the Flower Essence Society.

As a flower essence, Borage is for heavy heartedness and lack of confidence when facing challenges. The remedy is said to bring courage to the taker, providing a condition of “buoyancy of the soul”. Borage is also said to bring “lightness and ebullience to the soul, filling it with optimism and enthusiasm.”

Borage has recently been added to the homeopathic pharmacopeia. A person needing Borage (as a homeopathic medication) fears failure. They feel that it is their duty to take on all the responsibility in a given situation, resulting in resenting their role in life. Somatically this attitude can be expressed as stiffness in the joints, high blood pressure, tension headaches and flaring eczema. People needing the remedy Borage tend to be warmer than others and to feel worse in the heat.

It seems this ‘borage type’ may have a history of taking on the role of parent in their family at young age. If a parent was missing or sick they take on heavy family responsibilities such as looking after younger siblings. Since they are often not ready for this task, they may compensate for their anxiety by taking on a more exaggerated parental nature, becoming overly protective, strict and authoritarian. They are argumentative, forceful, and angry, tending to create tension and to lack flexibility. (Olsen 1997)

There is a sense that they must attend to every detail or a catastrophe will befall the family. By saving others, they are limiting the possibility that they themselves will be abandoned. Gradually they lose any playful, carefree, and spontaneous aspects, because they feel that everything has to be right. They may become very disagreeable and easily offended, resenting the choices of other people.

Borage has always been associated with courage and cheerfulness, "to exhilerate and make the mind glad," "to drive away all sadness" and Parkinson adds that it is of "known Vertue to revive the Hypochondriac and chear the hard Student".

Recent research suggests that borage does in fact stimulate the adrenal glands.

The leaves and flowers are rich in potassium, calcium and salts and are an excellent tonic and blood cleanser. It is also refrigerant - a fresh leaf will lower the temperature in the mouth - and thus useful for fevers. The mucilage it contains is helpful for coughs and bronchitis. Drink an infusion of the leaves and flowers, a cupful at a time, or inhale as a vapor treatment. The pulped leaves make a poultice for swellings and bruises.

Use the leaves and flowers fresh, as they quickly lose their flavor and goodness when dried. The flowers can be preserved by crystallizing.

Pick the young leaves to eat as a salad before they become rough; they taste refreshing and cooling, with a slightly bitter, cucumber flavor. The larger leaves can be boiled in the same was as spinach, chopped in stuffing, or fried in batter as fritters. Eat the flowers raw in salad or crystallize them as decorations for puddings and cakes. They are especially well known as cooling additions to summer drinks - either steeped with a few young leaves in fruit cups, cider, beer of wine, or frozen into ice cubes and added as decorative 'conceits'.

Believed to have originated in Syria, borage is now widely cultivated in Europe and America, and often escapes to grow in hedge banks and by roads. On rich ground it grows at least 3 ft high, with stout prickly stems and broad, rough, wrinkled leaves covered with stiff hairs.

Borage was introduced to northern Europe by the Romans, and is first recorded as growing in England in the 13th century. A list of necessary seeds to be taken to new England in 1631 includes '10z Buradg seed at 4d'.

Borage is an annual, but occasionally survives the winter indoors or in a greenhouse. Sow seeds in the spring - they will quickly germinate with 2 large seed leaves - and plant out in a sunny position about 20 inches apart. It self-sows readily and will tolerate most soils, but flourishes on a loose, rich, and limy ground.

The closely related viper's bugloss, Echium vulgare, has similar properties. It is biennial, grows wild in dry places, especially near the sea, and will grow from seed in the garden.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Full Moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month is only 29 days long on the average, the full Moon dates shift from year to year. Here is the Farmers Almanac’s list of the full Moon names.

• Full Wolf Moon – January Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January’s full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon.

• Full Snow Moon – February Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February’s full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult.

• Full Worm Moon – March As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.

• Full Pink Moon – April This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month’s celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn.

• Full Flower Moon – May In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon.

• Full Strawberry Moon – June This name was universal to every Algonquin tribe. However, in Europe they called it the Rose Moon. Also because the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June . . . so the full Moon that occurs during that month was christened for the strawberry!

• The Full Buck Moon – July July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Another name for this month’s Moon was the Full Hay Moon.

• Full Sturgeon Moon – August The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.

• Full Corn Moon – September This full moon’s name is attributed to Native Americans because it marked when corn was supposed to be harvested. Most often, the September full moon is actually the Harvest Moon.

• Full Harvest Moon – October This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.

• Full Beaver Moon – November This was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now actively preparing for winter. It is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon.

• The Full Cold Moon; or the Full Long Nights Moon – December During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.

Wolf Moon: The full moon in January. Said to be called the Wolf Moon because the wolves are out in the bright light this time of year - anxious and hot on the the trail for a feast to slake their hunger in the lean winter month. Lunar Symbolism:
Before blasting off into Wolf Moon symbolism, let’s take a look at lunar implications. Subtle, cunning and soft in silky shadows, the moons meanings can be slippery. But, to those who grasp moon symbolism, great insights follow. Typically feminine in archetypal understanding, the moon carries themes of cycles and fertility.

Moreover, the moon conveys a kind of creativity that is born from veiled magic. Consider the moon’s growth cycles (waxing, full, waning, new). These phases are wrought from the moon’s movement. And, the manifestation of her development is made known to us through light and shadow.

What’s the symbolic lesson here? Progress is sometimes subtle. Manifestations of evolution often occur behind the scenes, in shadow – before we “see the light” or the end-product of our vision.

When contemplating this month’s full moon and its partnership with the Wolf, we must not cram our intellect into the void. Rather, the Wolf Moon asks us to use intuitive instinct in soft ways.

The gifts of this full moon come to our senses like steam rising over sacred waters marbled with frosty stillness.

Wolf Symbolism & Wolf Moon Solutions:
Strategic, resourceful and incredibly communicative, the Wolf is a noble mentor for humankind. Wolves have specific protocol and rank within their packs. This observation is a cue to look to community for creative solutions during this full moon. Communicate with those in your pack to help you with your challenges. But don’t break taboo. If you follow specific traditions in social communication, hold to them. In fact, use this full moon to honor traditions of your heritage. Take time to honor your elders too. Tribal rituals should be heeded this time of year.

Wolves are vastly expressive. Sure, their vocalizations (baling, howling and barking) are legendary, but Wolves also have an complex system of body language and even eye contact to convey intent and current state of being. Discipline in the pack is rarely corporeal. Rather, behavior is admonished or reinforced by intricate expressions. One look from the Alpha can convey as much power as a physical blow.

There’s big medicine in this. Use this full moon to get in touch with your own modes of expression. Explore your own eye contact and body language. Examine yourself in the mirror (yes, I’m serious) as you’re talking on the phone. View yourself objectively. What are your expressions conveying? How can you modify or enhance your body language to portray more authority or power? Or, perhaps more softness and sensuality is needed. Too often we are unconscious about our eye and body movements in the scheme of social interaction. This is a great time to ponder these nuances of communication.

Wolves are also phenomenally resourceful. In fact, their resourcefulness is partly why this moon carries the Wolf moniker. January is a brutal month in the northern regions. The frigidity of winter crunches life to a stand-still in the wild. To be sure, it’s a time of “sink or swim” to all wildlife exposed to the elements this time of year.

Wolves, however, often thrive during this lean month. They are designed to handle the brutality of cold quite well. Furthermore, as Wolves are inclined to pick off weaker animals, January offers up a host of feasting options. Perhaps we can use the resourcefulness of the Wolf to reconsider our options in life. Maybe what seems bleak or lame in our life is actually an invitation for opportunity. Food for thought.